stemmed the tide
Halted the flow
Stemmed the tide means stopped or slowed an advancing force or trend.
The image is of holding back a flood—preventing something from spreading further: The new policy stemmed the tide of layoffs.
Often used for temporary or partial success against an overwhelming force: Emergency funding stemmed the tide, but the crisis wasn't over.
- preventedStopped before occurrence
- put a stop toCause to cease
- arrestedSeized by authorities
- slowedReduced velocity
- slow downReduce pace or speed
stopped · halted · held back · counteract · avert · stave off · mitigate · forestall · nipped in the bud · stymie · oppose · contain · thwart · stanch · dam up · reverse · ebb · suppress
stemmed the tidegave way
Failed to hold
capitulated · gave in · surrendered · caved in · buckled under
stemmed the tidelost control
Failed to maintain composure
let slip · let nature take its course · drifted · floundered
stemmed the tideadded fuel to the fire
Aggravated existing tensions
fanned the flames · opened the floodgates · made matters worse